Can I get a yeast infection from a guy who has jock itch?

Dear Reader,  

Talk about a not-so-fun(gal) coincidence! The short answer is no: jock itch can’t be transmitted in the form of a yeast infection during sexual activity. That’s because tinea cruris (jock itch) and candidiasis (yeast infections) are caused by different strains of fungus. However, sometimes different infections can have similar symptoms. If either you or your sexual partner hasn’t had your symptoms checked out by a health care professional, there’s a chance you might both have a yeast infection, jock itch, or another sexually transmitted fungal infection.  

Can you transmit a yeast infection during sex?  

Yes. Yeast infections happen when there’s an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans. Sexual transmission is most common when someone with a penis transmits it to someone with a vagina during vaginal sex, or between two people with vaginas during genital-to-genital contact. Although it most commonly occurs in people with vaginas, anyone can get a yeast infection. It’s much less common for someone with a vagina to give a yeast infection to a partner with a penis. Symptoms of a yeast infection often include:  

• Burning or itching in the genitals 
• White discharge  
• Cracked foreskin in the penis or tiny cracks in the skin of the vulva 
• Redness or swelling in the genitals  
• Burning when you pee 
• Pain during sex  

List adapted from Cleveland Clinic and Healthline  

Is it possible to transmit jock itch through sexual contact?  

Yes. If you’re not sure that what you have is a yeast infection, there’s a chance you could’ve picked up your partner’s jock itch during sex instead.  

Tinea cruris (jock itch) is caused by the same fungus that causes athlete’s foot. While it’s rare for it to spread through sex, it’s still possible. Most people develop it non-sexually, and it's most common in people who sweat a lot because the fungus likes damp, warm environments. Basically, it gets warm and cozy by making you uncomfortable and itchy.   

The most common symptom is an itchy, scaly rash in the genital area, which can be confused for a yeast infection. Although it's most common in people with penises, those with vaginas can also develop it.  

What other fungal infections spread sexually?  

Other fungal infections that can spread sexually include: 

• Dermatophyte Infections – Dermatophytes are a group of fungi that includes the strain responsible for jock itch. However, it’s more common for other dermatophyte strains to be sexually transmitted. Like jock itch, these infections are usually characterized by a scaly rash in the genital area. However, these rashes can be more serious and include painful, inflamed red areas and pimples filled with pus.  
• Trichophyton Mentagrophytes Genotype VII (TMVII) - TMVII is the only fungal infection that’s considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Although yeast infections, jock itch, and other dermatophyte infections can spread through sex, they aren’t classified as STIs because they can also spread in non-sexual ways. The main symptom of TMVII is a ring-shaped rash that could be blistered, scaly, itchy, or painful. This rash is usually more severe than those caused by jock itch, and it doesn’t respond to antifungal creams or lotions.  

How can you prevent fungal infection transmission during sex? 

Regardless of the infection in question, there are some things you can do to keep your future fun time fungus-free. Using a barrier method of protection, like a condom, limits the skin-to-skin contact that promotes transmission. They can also protect you from other, non-fungal STIs. Washing sex toys with gentle soap between uses—especially if you’re sharing with another person—can prevent the growth of fungi, which can spread to your body. You might also consider refraining from sexual contact if you notice any rashes, itchiness, burning, or other genital symptoms.  

Consider making an appointment with a health care provider so they can check what’s going on and provide you with treatment if necessary. If you can confirm you have a yeast infection and your partner does indeed have jock itch, you’re dealing with an itchy coincidence. But hopefully these tips can keep you in the know and on the lookout if you start to get the itch again.